The Pennsylvania thru truss design was a variation of the Pratt Truss with subdivided panels and polygonal upper chords, it was developed in 1875 by bridge engineers for the Pennsylvania Railroad. Wolf Bridge was fabricated in 1895 by the Pittsburgh Bridge Company and erected by their agents, Nelson & Buchannan of Chambersburg. The bridge is a good example of a pin-connected Pennsylvania through-truss bridge, a bridge type popular for its ease of construction in the field, and weight-bearing capabilities. The structure still retains it Z-plate floor beam hangers, which are a detail distinctive of the fabricator. Records indicate deck and stringer replacement in 1955 and 1998.. In 1996, Wolf Bridge was determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C as a locally significant example of a Pennsylvania Pratt through-truss bridge that retains excellent integrity. The bridge is slated for replacement as it has been found to be functionally obsolete for vehicular traffic at this location.

In an effort to preserve this historic structure, Cumberland County Commissioners will transfer ownership of the bridge to an interested party for removal to a new location, rather than have it demolished. Federal Law stipulates that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) may provide support for moving the bridge to a new location. The new owner will be responsible for costs associated with the rehabilitation and future maintenance of the bridge. A restrictive covenant may be required which would require the purchaser to contact the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission regarding any proposed changes to the historic characteristics of the bridge. If you, or your organization, are interested in learning more about this bridge, please contact Jeremy Ammerman, PennDOT Architectural Historian, District 8-0 at 717-705-2667, or via email at jerammerma@pa.gov.

Deadlines for bids, project construction, and removal of the existing bridge are not known at this time, but will be posted when available.